Propaganda or marks of grace? the impact of the reported ordeals of sarah wight in revolutionary london, 1647–52

Abstract

The Exceeding Riches of Grace Advanced … In an Empty Nothing Creaturepublished by the Independent pastor, Henry Jessey, charts the eleven-week fast of Sarah Wight, a young girl tormented by sin and attempted suicide. Described in the sufferer's own words, the account relates her spiritual conversion and unexpected survival of her ordeals, and portrays her transformed status as a spiritual guide and comforter to those who consult her. This article examines features identifyingExceeding Richesas a significant spiritual text: the subject's consciousness of early sin and desire for death even at the cost of going to hell; also, her refusal of food and the comatose states in which she claims to commune with God. Elements of Protestantars moriendirituals are intriguingly juxtaposed with elements of contemporary birth rituals. Additionally, however, these other-worldly aspects are shown to have been closely interwoven into the politicalmilieu of the time. As Wight's story became celebrated, major figures of many levels and persuasions flocked to her bedside. The evidence seems irrefutable that Jessey, himself a leading negotiator, hoped that some major breakthrough in the efforts to achieve unity between government, Parliament, and church leaders might be associated with these very unusual events.